Pocono Pines, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish
Second Wednesday of every month, 9:30 A.M.
Convenes in Our Lady of the Lake Hall, lower level of the Church
For information, call 646-6424 (weekdays) or 839-9346 (evenings). It is not necessary to be a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish or even to be Catholic in order to attend this ecumenical group. The format is open and ongoing (not limited to a fixed number of sessions) and the content of the meeting is selected to address the needs of those present. Anyone who has experienced a loss due to death, divorce or separation is encouraged to attend. Through the use of audio, visual and printed materials, the group offers information about the stages of grief and the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual effects that may be experienced by those who are grieving. A lending library contains materials that are helpful for children, adolescents and adults. The compassionate presence of people who have journeyed through the grieving process offers support for the newly bereaved and for those who may have delayed the process or who still need assistance.

West Wyoming, St. Monica ParishSmall group supportEach Tuesday in October, 2016, at 6:30PM
West Eighth Street
Location: church hall
For information call Joanne Austin 570-693-1991.

A talk on grief : “Seeking God When We Seem
Lost in Grief” by Mary Ann Vail, coordinator of the Ministry of EMBRACE, the grief ministry for Mary Our Queen parish, Omaha, Nebraska. The death of her 18 year old daughter to leukemia nine years ago, prompted Mary Ann Vail to reach out in compassion to others and become involved in grief ministry. This presentation offers presence and support for those who have lost loved ones. The talk offers suggestions, support and resources for a faith-based approach to grief and loss. It covers:

Rachel’s Vineyard weekends for healing after abortion are offered throughout the year in locations across the United States and Canada, with additional sites around the world. We also offer a 15-week support group model for Rachel’s Vineyard. Rachel’s Vineyard is a ministry of Priests for Life.

The program is an opportunity to examine a person’s abortion experience, identify the ways that the loss has impacted him/her in the past and present, and helps to acknowledge any unresolved feelings that many individuals struggle with after abortion. Because of the emotional numbness and secrecy that often surrounds an abortion experience, conflicting emotions both during and after the event may remain unresolved. These buried feelings can surface later and may be symptoms of post abortion trauma.

Married couples, mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings of aborted children, as well as persons who have been involved in the abortion industry have come to Rachel’s Vineyard in search of peace and inner healing. The weekend is a lot of work but yields a fruitful harvest for all who are willing to labor there.

The support program, Project Rachel, is active within the diocese. Contact Deacon Ed Casey at Catholic Social Services at 570-207-2283.

Rachel’s Vineyard Post-Abortion Healing Retreat:
November 4-6, 2016

This confidential weekend retreat facilitates spiritual and emotional healing for men and women struggling with the pain of abortion. Exercises based on scripture are designed to help participants experience God’s mercy and compassion, and to reconcile with their church, their child, and with themselves. The retreat concludes with a Memorial Service and Mass of Entrustment. If your heart hears God’s gentle invitation, take courage, for you are being called home to heal. Financial assistance is available.